Martin A. Sumichrast, widely known as Marty Sumichrast, is a seasoned American entrepreneur, investor, and author whose career spans over three decades of innovation, leadership, and resilience in the global business landscape. With a reputation for strategic vision and a commitment to fostering American businesses, Sumichrast has made significant contributions to private equity, corporate advisory, and thought leadership through his ventures and writings. His journey, marked by both triumphs and challenges, reflects a deep understanding of risk, leadership, and long-term value creation, making him a prominent figure in entrepreneurship and finance. This biography explores Sumichrast’s early life, career milestones, personal challenges, and enduring impact on the business world.
Early Life and Roots
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Martin Sumichrast is the youngest child of Eastern European immigrants who instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for opportunity. Growing up in a household shaped by the immigrant experience, Sumichrast was exposed to the values of perseverance and ambition at an early age. His father, Michael Sumichrast, was an influential figure in his life, co-authoring two books with him later in his career. Marty’s upbringing in a culturally rich and hardworking environment laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit.
Sumichrast pursued his education at the University of Maryland, where he honed his analytical skills and developed a keen interest in finance and real estate economics. His academic background, combined with an innate drive to build and innovate, set the stage for a career that would span multiple industries and continents.
Early Ventures and International Impact
Sumichrast’s entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, showcasing his ability to identify and seize opportunities. At just 26 years old, he founded USA Builders, a groundbreaking venture in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) following the fall of communism. Partnering with homebuilding giant Trammell Crow, USA Builders introduced American-style homes to Prague through a subdivision called Na Visluni. This project, notable for its use of wood construction and American-made materials, was a pioneering effort in Eastern Europe’s emerging real estate market. The U.S. Department of Commerce recognized its innovation by naming USA Builders’ model home the “Model Home of the Year” for Eastern Europe, a testament to Sumichrast’s early ability to blend vision with execution.
This international venture marked the beginning of Sumichrast’s global business footprint. Over the years, his businesses would operate across three continents, employing thousands and contributing to economic growth in diverse markets. His early success in Czechoslovakia highlighted his ability to identify untapped potential and navigate complex, emerging markets—a skill that would define much of his career.
Leadership in Finance and Private Equity
Leadership roles in both public and private companies mark Sumichrast’s career in finance and private equity. From 1993 to 2002, he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global Capital Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: GCAP), transforming the firm from a startup into a global investment bank with 27 international offices, over 500 employees, and billions of dollars in assets under management. This achievement underscored his ability to scale businesses and navigate the complexities of global finance.
In 2013, Sumichrast took on the role of Managing Member of Stone Street Capital, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based private equity firm. His tenure was tested by the devastating revelation that his business partner, Rick Siskey, had been running a Ponzi scheme. Following Siskey’s suicide in 2016 after an FBI raid, Sumichrast was left to manage the fallout. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, he successfully guided Stone Street through the crisis, returning millions of dollars in assets to investors. Despite being the largest victim of the fraud, Sumichrast faced no investor lawsuits and was widely praised as a hero for his efforts to mitigate the damage.
Sumichrast’s leadership extended to the public markets as well. He co-founded and served as Chairman, CEO, and President of cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE: YCBD) from 2015 to 2023, raising over $100 million in equity and debt financing. Under his stewardship, cbdMD went public in 2017, acquired its namesake brand in a $135 million transaction, and achieved a market capitalization of $400 million. The company was included in the Russell 3000 Index, generated over $250 million in sales, employed more than 200 people, and served over one million customers. Sumichrast’s strategic oversight also led to cbdMD receiving numerous “Product of the Year” awards.
Additionally, Sumichrast co-founded Adara Acquisition Corp., serving as CEO and a board member. He led the company’s $115 million initial public offering on the NYSE in 2022 and facilitated its $600 million acquisition of Alliance Entertainment in 2023. These accomplishments highlight his expertise in capital markets and his ability to drive large-scale transactions.
Overcoming Adversity: The SEC Lawsuit
Sumichrast’s career has not been without challenges. In 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against him, alleging unauthorized transactions and conflicts of interest at Stone Street Partners following Siskey’s death. The SEC claimed that Sumichrast’s actions, including a salary increase and certain stock transactions, harmed investors. Sumichrast and his legal team, led by Los Angeles attorney Ellyn Garafalo, argued that the SEC was unfairly targeting him as a scapegoat for its failure to hold anyone accountable for the Siskey Ponzi scheme.
After a four-year legal battle, Sumichrast prevailed, settling in April 2024 without admitting or denying the allegations. The final judgment imposed a $225,000 disgorgement, $50,000 in prejudgment interest, and a $75,000 civil penalty, but Sumichrast remained in full standing with all regulatory bodies. His ability to navigate this ordeal while continuing to lead successful ventures speaks to his resilience and determination.
Literary Contributions and Thought Leadership
Sumichrast is also an accomplished author, sharing his insights through books and articles. He co-authored two books with his father, “Opportunities in Financial Careers” and “The New Complete Book of Home Buying,” both published by Dow Jones Irving Books. These works reflect his expertise in finance and real estate, offering practical guidance to aspiring professionals and homebuyers.
His most recent book, Getting Sheared, co-authored with 13-time New York Times bestselling author Don Yaeger and award-winning journalist Jason Cole, provides an unflinching account of his experience with the Siskey Ponzi scheme. The book draws on hundreds of interviews and thousands of pages of evidence to explore the fraud’s impact, who benefited, and why no one was held accountable. Getting Sheared has been hailed as a must-read for entrepreneurs and investors, offering lessons on resilience, transparency, and the realities of high-stakes finance. Sumichrast’s writing extends to contributions to outlets like Engadget, Seeking Alpha, and Datafloq, where he covers topics such as emerging technologies, finance, and entrepreneurship.
Current Endeavors and Legacy
Today, Sumichrast serves as Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of American Capital Partners, Inc., a strategic business advisory and corporate marketing firm. Through this platform, he supports American businesses by providing capital-raising strategies and brand positioning services, helping startups and mid-market companies navigate the complexities of growth and expansion. He is also the Managing Director of Sunshine Advisors, LLC, a private holding company. He remains active in mentoring young entrepreneurs and supporting charitable causes, such as the Jadeveon Clowney Help-In-Time Foundation and Best Buddies International.
Sumichrast’s philosophy emphasizes long-term value over short-term trends, a principle that guides his work at American Capital Partners. His ability to bridge vision with execution has made him a trusted advisor to founders seeking to scale their businesses and compete globally. His transparent approach, shaped by both successes and setbacks, has earned him respect as a leader who owns his wins and losses.
Personal Life and Values
Residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife of over 27 years, Cindy, Sumichrast is a devoted family man and father to four children: Isabelle, Martin II, Andrew, and Caroline. His commitment to the community is evident in his mentorship of young professionals, coaching of local high school sports teams, and involvement in charitable organizations. Sumichrast’s belief in the power of entrepreneurship to drive economic and social progress is a cornerstone of his legacy.
Conclusion
Martin Sumichrast’s career is a testament to the resilience, vision, and leadership required to succeed in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and finance. From his early ventures in Eastern Europe to his leadership of publicly traded companies and his literary contributions, Sumichrast has left an indelible mark on the business landscape. His ability to navigate adversity, coupled with his commitment to transparency and long-term value creation, makes him a respected figure in the American business world. Through his work at Getting Sheared and American Capital Partners, Sumichrast continues to inspire and guide the next generation of entrepreneurs, demonstrating that authentic leadership is about building a legacy that extends beyond the balance sheet.